"DOC" 2008 Obituary

DOCHERTY o@ca.on.grey_county.owen_sound.the_sun_times 2008-07-04 published
STEPHEN,
Elizabeth "
Betty" (née
LYNCH)
Died peacefully at Georgian Heights, Owen Sound on Thursday,
July 3, 2008. Betty
STEPHEN (née
LYNCH) formerly of Chesley,
in her 83rd year. Beloved wife of the late John
STEPHEN.
Loving
mother of Glenna
REILLY of Owen Sound and Eleanor (Jim)
PURDIE
of Kitchener. Cherished grandma of Colin (Kelly), Kevin (Jodi),
Scott, and Peter and great-grandma of Maya Elizabeth
PURDIE.
Also survived by her brothers Andrew and Matthew
LYNCH, both
of Scotland, sisters-in-law Vivian
SCHOPF,
VeraLETTAU and Pearl
STEPHEN and nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her daughter Elizabeth,
son-in-law Jerry
REILLY, sister Annie
DOCHERTY and brothers-in-law
Alex STEPHEN, William
LETTAU, Addie
SCHOPF, Harry
STEPHEN and
Donald McCOLEMAN.
Cremation has taken place. Private family burial
at a later date. Memorial donations to the charity of your choice
would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to
Grey Bruce Cremation and Burial Services 519-371-8507.

DOCHERTY o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2008-01-03 published
Search for snowmobilers ends in tragedy
Bodies discovered under the ice as Lake Simcoe thaws with mild
weather and freezes again in cold snap
By Anthony
REINHART,
Page A8
Virginia, Ontario -- At a time of year when it's too early to
trust the ice, Darlene
CAMERON took comfort when her husband,
Willie, pledged to stay off Lake Simcoe on New Year's Day.
He'd just taken delivery of a 2008 Ski-Doo on December 21, and
the 40-year-old father of two said he wasn't about to risk losing
it, or harming himself, for the sake of catching a few thrills
with his snowmobiling buddy, Steve
DOCHERTY, 43.
When neither man returned home Tuesday night, any such comfort
turned to fear. When their bodies were found under the lake ice
off Georgina Island late yesterday, the fear turned to grief.
The discovery of the bodies sent a chill through an already frigid
day of searching by York Region and Georgina Island police, firefighters,
the victims' families, Friends and area residents, fuelled by
the faint hope that somehow, some way, they would turn up alive
and unhurt.
"They're responsible sledders, they're not idiots," Ms.
CAMERON
told Friends inside the Virginia Beach Marina and Restaurant,
the unofficial community hub in the tiny settlement of Virginia,
a few hours before the bodies were found. "I just can't figure
out how two of them can disappear. Two of them."
But, when volunteer searchers on their own risky snowmobile foray
found a helmet atop the ice off the island's northeast shore
at 4: 45 p.m., police had their first firm clue that the men had
indeed ventured far out onto the lake, despite uncertain ice
conditions and whiteouts on Tuesday afternoon.
Police searchers descended from a helicopter shortly afterward
and found the first body, using poles, in three to four metres
of water. The second body was found at about 9 p.m.
It is believed the men fell into a patch of open water, and that
the water then froze over as the temperature plunged overnight.
The changeability of conditions in what is still early winter
only underscores the danger the men and their searchers faced
throughout the ordeal, despite their extensive snowmobiling experience
and familiarity with the area, said Sergeant John
LOUGHRY, who
conducted the search for York Regional Police.
"The ice is treacherous enough that at any given time somebody
could be going through," Sgt.
LOUGHRY said. "The lake is dangerous,
and it's going to stay dangerous."
Ms. CAMERON had not expected her husband to encounter danger
when he set off to meet Mr.
DOCHERTY on Tuesday at about 12: 30 p.m.
A few hours before the first body was found yesterday, she stood
shivering by the lakeshore and recounted his last words to her.
"Do you mind me going out for a boot with Steve?" Mr.
CAMERON
asked his wife. "We're not going on the lake; it's not safe and
you can't see a foot in front of you."
With that, the two men headed off, and were last seen travelling
north along Sunkist Road - toward the lake.
The search effort included two search-and-rescue helicopters,
one belonging to police and the other from Canadian Forces Base
Trenton; several propeller-powered air boats, some equipped with
heat-sensing infrared equipment; and a pair of police snowmobiles.
Dozens of area residents joined in on snowmobiles and all-terrain
vehicles to comb trails around the small settlement of Virginia,
where both men lived, and nearby Georgina Island, home to the
Chippewa First Nation, which sits in plain view about one kilometre
offshore.
There was precious little to see on New Year's Day when the men
headed off in whiteout conditions.
"It was horrible," said Felicia
SISI, a server at the Virginia
Beach Marina and Restaurant, on the waterfront where police placed
their command post.
"You couldn't even see the island."
Like many here, Ms.
SISI knew both men.
"They're my neighbours," she said. "One lives in front of me
and the other one lives behind me."
Mr. DOCHERTY's rock band performed regularly at community events,
and the CAMERONs came into the restaurant for breakfast most
Sundays.
People here are well accustomed to severe winters, and to keeping
close tabs on ice conditions, not only for recreational reasons
but for practical ones - an ice road is the only link between
Georgina Island and the mainland for much of the winter.
That road, however, follows a specific band of shallow water
that freezes earlier than deeper waters nearby, as evidenced
by the slushy ferry channel just west of it that remained in
use yesterday.
"This lake is ever-changing," Sgt.
LOUGHRY said.
When police put an airboat onto the ice just after midnight yesterday
morning, the infrared sensor quickly began to measure wild variations
in its thickness, "from open water to a foot thick," he said.
"Five miles straight out from here, you are on open water - or
you were this morning," the officer said, noting yesterday's
severe drop in temperature.
While Mr. CAMERON and Mr.
DOCHERTY were universally described
as responsible and experienced snowmobilers, police nonetheless
had to include the lake in their search, based on the men's departure
route from home.
"If you're last seen northbound on Sunkist Road, where do you
snowmobile from there?" Sgt.
LOUGHRY asked, before answering
his own question. "At some point, you're going to use the lake."
Police also combed hundreds of kilometres of trails that lead
from the nearby Pefferlaw River, a known destination for the
two men in the past.
Mr. CAMERON was carrying a cellphone, but hadn't answered any
calls since his wife began calling him about four hours after
he left home.
With an array of television cameras rolling, her voice broke
as she described what her husband and his friend were wearing,
in hopes the information might yield clues to their disappearance.
"If anybody has seen them, Steve has a Yamaha coat; it's blue
and white, it's brand new, he just bought it at the sled show
this year," she said.
"Willie has a brand new Ski-Doo coat; it's yellow and black,
mainly yellow with all the reflectors. It was brand new. I just
bought it for him for his birthday, at the sled show."

DOCKRILL o@ca.on.grey_county.owen_sound.the_sun_times 2008-02-01 published
QUESNEL,
KennethS.
Of Port Colborne passed away with his family at his side after
a courageous battle with cancer at the Port Colborne General
Hospital on Thursday January 31, 2008 at the age of 75 years.
Beloved husband of Ruth
QUESNEL, loving father of Murray (Sherry)
QUESNEL of Stevensville, Sharon (James)
DOCKRILL of St. Catharines
and Robert
QUESNEL of Port Colborne, brother of Donna
ROBINSON
of Kitchener. Mr.
QUESNEL was predeceased by his son Scott
QUESNEL
(1979,) his parents Charles and Mabel
QUESNEL, his brothers Jim
QUESNEL and Charles
QUESNEL and his sister Thelma
HUNTER. He
worked at INCO for over 40 years from where he retired. He
was a member of the INCO Quarter Century Club. At his request
there will be no visitation or service. Cremation will take place.
Interment of ashes will be in Overholt Cemetery at a later time.
If so desired, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian
Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Port Colborne
Chapel of the Davidson Funeral Homes 135 Clarence St. Online
guest register and condolences available at www.davidsonfuneralhomes.com

DOCKSTADER o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2008-05-25 published
DOCKSTADER,
Myrtle
After a courageous struggle, while surrounded by her family Myrtle
passed away at the Crescent Park Lodge on May 22, 2008 in her
88th year. Predeceased by her beloved husband Arthur Edward.
Survived by her loving children Patricia (Larry)
HILL and Thomas
(Cynthia) DOCKSTADER.
Proud grandmother of Jennifer, Eric, Andrew,
Karl, Jeffrey, Anthony, Justin and Angeline and great-grandmother
of Mark, Kathryne and Mabel-Ann. Predeceased by her 7 brothers
and sisters. Myrtle was a dedicated member of the Niagara Chapter
of Native Women and a member of the Board of Directors of the
Gonawaga Urban Homes. Benner Funeral Services, 1105 Benner Ave.
Fort Erie entrusted with arrangements. A Celebration of Myrtle's
Life will be held on Sunday May 25th at 7 p.m. in the Benner
Funeral Chapel. Myrtle's cremated remains will be returned and
interred in her place of birth, Muncey, Ontario on Monday May 26th
at 4 p.m. at the United Church.

DOCKSTADER o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2008-06-04 published
CHRISJOHN,
Maxine (formerly
NICHOLAS, née
DOCKSTADER)
Peacefully at Parkwood Hospital surrounded by family on Tuesday,
June 3rd, 2008, Maxine
CHRISJOHN (née
DOCKSTADER) of Oneida in
her 74th year. Predeceased by first husband Richard
NICHOLAS
and second husband Mervin
CHRISJOHN.
Loving mother of Mason (Wendy)
NICHOLAS of London. Loving grandmother of Daniel, Darren, Dallas
and great-grandmother of Austin. Remembered fondly by sisters
Anderine GANT,
JoyceKECHEGO, Carol
DOCKSTADER and brother Robert
DOCKSTADER.
Predeceased by sister Winnifred
JACOBS. Will be sadly
missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins and Friends. Special
thank you to the 5th floor staff of Parkwood Hospital for their
care. Friends may call at the Elliott-Madill Funeral Home, Mount Brydges,
on Thursday, June 5th from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. where the funeral
service will be held on Friday commencing at 11 a.m. with cremation
to follow.

DOCKSTEADER o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2008-02-04 published
HEIKKILA,
RaimoTapani
63 Years
Passed away on January 22nd, 2008 following an accident in the
Florida Everglades. An extraordinary person who was described
by all as larger than life, he led an exemplary life of generosity,
inspiration, achievement and passion. Beloved longtime soulmate
of Geraldine
DOCKSTEADER of Toronto. He was a hero to his daughter
Dr.ShelleyAnnROUTHIER (husband Guy Noel) and pilot in command
to his grand_sons Jeremie and Demitri, all of Sudbury. Also survived
by his dear sister Irene (husband Allan
TURNER) and nieces Hanna
and Ria of Surrey, British Columbia. Raimo was born in Finland
and immigrated to Sudbury at the tender age of 7 with his parents
Toini and Tuure
HEIKKILA (both predeceased.) After graduating
from Laurentian University in 1968, he pursued a law degree at
Osgoode Hall. He practiced labour law in Toronto for many years
and later became a member of the International Lawyers Group.
Raimo's true passion in life was aviation, an art that he practiced
well over 30 years. A world traveler, he took tremendous joy
in the discovery of new lands and people. A great aviator, he
embraced the challenge of flying with an unsurpassed zeal. Fluent
in 5 languages, he is best described as simply brilliant. A mentor
to so many Friends around the world, a man for all seasons, a
witty intellect and a humble human being, he will be greatly
missed. Raimo contributed tremendously to the enrichment of the
lives of those who were privileged to call him friend. A Memorial
Service to celebrate Raimo's life will be held at a later date.
Flowers, donations or messages of condolence available online
at www.lougheed.org. (Funeral Arrangements Entrusted To The Lougheed
Funeral Home 252 Regent Street, Sudbury).

DOCKX o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2008-06-12 published
ROSS,
Gladys
21 August 1918 to 9 June 2008
Unexpectedly at Tillsonburg Hospital in her 90th year. Pre-deceased
by her husband Ormond. Loving mother of David (Katherine
SPENCER-
ROSS)
and devoted Grandma of Caroline and Andrew. Last survivor of
the five McCormicks of Harrow, Ontario - Ruth, Gladys, John,
Keith and Ralph. During her long and fulfilling life Gladys was
everyone's friend. Her cheerful and caring nature brightened
the day. A farm girl by birth she had a mischievous streak and
captured Ormond's heart (and earned her father's temporary wrath)
by slipping a pen pal note into a box of tomatoes destined for
Toronto. Waiting for him to return from the war she worked as
an executive secretary at General Motors, Windsor. They married
in 1945, moving initially to St. Hyacinthe, Quebec and later
to Halifax. Two years later, when he retired from the Navy, they
settled in Weston and built a house together while she worked
at Inglis. In 1956, David was adopted and life was never the
same. A devoted mother, Gladys immersed herself in home and school
activities and was renowned for hosting innumerable school Friends
for meals and snacks. An entrepreneurial bent lay just below
the surface and she established the Relique Boutique antique
shop at Jane and Buttonwood, later renaming it Early Years and
moving it to Jane and Bloor. Spending an extra hour with clients
over a cup of tea was indicative of her ability to listen to
others and drew in many new Friends and acquaintances. On Ormond's
retirement in 1979 and the subsequent closing of their shop in
1984 they decided to move to Tillsonburg where they lived out
their remaining years in their own home entertaining Friends
and family. Special thanks to Mike and Fran, as well as Donna,
Marion,Diane,DoctorDOCKX and the Community Care Access Centre
and Canadian Red Cross caregivers, whose support and efforts
made staying at home possible. Gladys will be deeply missed by
all whose lives she touched. There will be a memorial service
at Ostrander's Funeral Home, 43 Bidwell Street, Tillsonburg (519) 842-5221
at 11: 00 a.m. Monday 16 June, 2008. Rev. Maurice
FRANCIS officiating.
Private interment of ashes at Colchester, Essex County, will
be at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations (payable by
cheque) may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the
Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital would be appreciated.
Personal condolence may be made at www.ostrandersfuneralhome.com

DOCTERS o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2008-03-07 published
VANBENNEKOM,
RobertMark "
Bob"
Suddenly and unexpectedly at his home in London on Wednesday,
March 5th, 2008, Robert Mark (Bob)
VANBENNEKOM in his 40th year.
Loving father of Shannon and Mikayla and a dear friend of their
mother Debra
HAAS. Dear son of Cornelius and Martha
VANBENNEKOM
of London, and dear twin brother of Mike and his fiance Barb.
Lovingly remembered by his partner Kelly
POGUE. Survived also
by his aunt Clara
DOCTERS and many other relatives in Canada
and the Netherlands. Visitation from 6-9 p.m. Saturday March 8th
at Forest Lawn Memorial Chapel, 1997 Dundas Street (at Wavell),
London. Cremation to follow, and there will be a private service
for the family at a later date. Memorial donations appreciated
to the Canadian Diabetes Association.

DOCTERS o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2008-05-07 published
DOCTERS,
Clara
Peacefully, on Saturday, May 3, 2008 at the Lucan Restview Retirement
Home, Clara
DOCTERS passed away in her 82nd year. Loving wife
of the late Carl (1998). Beloved sister of Cornelius and his
wife Martha
VANBENNEKOM. Dear aunt of Connie
BREEDVELD, Mike
VANBENNEKOM
(BarbCHEATLEY) and great-aunt of Shannon and Mikayla
VANBENNEKOM.
Lovingly remembered by family in Holland. Predeceased
by siblings Metta
BREEDVELD,
HankVANBENNEKOM and nephew Bob
VANBENNEKOM. A private family service will be held at a later
date.